The troop discusses their identity as a theater troupe vs. a band and their history as adventurers funding their art. They talk about their goal: purchasing a rundown theater in Greyhawk, the city where they had their first big hit.
The troop members introduce themselves and their characters, establishing their roles and relationships within the group. Backdrop is the stage manager/set builder, CJ is the loyal musician, Lena is the energetic sorcerer who accidentally sets things on fire, and Sprocket is the creative mastermind/set designer.
The troop discusses their newest, youngest member, Ravena, a 16-year-old elf sent by her parents for a 'summer internship.' They ponder how to handle her, seeing her as a potential stage combat intern.
A brief flashback reveals Ravena's mother entrusting her daughter to the troop, emphasizing the importance of getting her to her grand uncle's and issuing a dire warning about her safety.
The troop arrives in Greyhawk and enters the Lantern Tavern. They encounter two unusual dwarven bartenders, one standing on the other, who then perform a surprising acrobatic bottle-juggling feat.
Inside the tavern, the troop settles in. CJ plays his fiddle, earning free drinks. Lena dances energetically through the crowd, while Sprocket inspects and fixes furniture, and Ravena, buzzed from her drink, enjoys snacks.
The tavern door bursts open, and Meryl, clad only in heart-patterned boxer shorts and a pointy hat, barges in conjuring magic. He is quickly followed by Serenity, who counterspells his wild magic.
Serenity reaches the troop's table. She greets her cousin Ravena and explains the situation: her father, Meryl, has misplaced his trousers, and she needs the troop to babysit him for the night by putting on a show. She also reveals their family owns the Nectar theater.
Serenity gives a final warning about not taking anything from the mansion, then quickly leaves with Meryl, who shouts about a 'Dragon' and conjures a fireball before being counterspelled by Serenity and ushered out.
After Serenity and Meryl leave, the troop reacts to the chaotic encounter and the unexpected job. Lena is excited, CJ is focused on the money, Sprocket is starting to get anxious, and Backdrop makes a joke about stand-up comedy.
The troop walks through Greyhawk towards Mordecai Mansion. Lena enthusiastically introduces herself and the troop to everyone they pass, inadvertently spreading the word about their 'babysitting' job. CJ helps a slightly tipsy Ravena.
The troop arrives at Mordecai Mansion and is greeted by Serenity. They enter the vast, magical interior. Serenity briefly explains Meryl's unpredictable nature and presents a contract offering 300 gold or a claim to the Nectar theater if they survive the night.
Just as Serenity prepares to leave, Meryl bursts in, agitated about 'Sixty-three.' Serenity calms him with a riddle ('What hasn't an eye but cannot see?'), gets the answer ('A needle'), and then quickly departs, leaving the troop alone with the unpredictable wizard.
Abandoned with Meryl, the troop huddles to plan how to entertain him and get him to sleep. They decide on a strategy combining Lena's dancing/movement, CJ's music, and their collective performance skills.
Meryl, overhearing the word 'Show,' becomes instantly excited and transforms into a burning supernova, declaring himself the 'star.'
Lena, fascinated rather than scared by Meryl's transformation, asks him to teach her magic. Meryl, intrigued by her affinity, agrees and gives her a scroll charged with fire magic.
While the others prepare the 'show,' Ravena goes to the kitchen for a snack. Meryl finds her there, briefly mentioning his pants before sitting down, ignoring her attempt to mend them, insisting the 'show' comes first.
Backdrop attempts to perform stand-up comedy for Meryl, incorporating magic into his jokes. He uses Shocking Grasp and Firebolt, ending his routine abruptly.
Meryl, prompted by the mention of pants, phases into his trousers, mutters arcane words, and opens a portal. Realizing the troop isn't Serenity, he panics, his eyes widen, and they are pulled towards the portal.
As they are pulled into the portal, Meryl makes a swift gesture sending light south. They find themselves in a forest, facing a younger, elven Meryl, a towering Owlbear, and a druid hologram. The younger Meryl explains this is a memory and sets them a task: tame the Owlbear.